Jonathan trusted his father, King Saul, but this monarch's behavior did not please God, and his promise to spare David's life was not kept. It's incredible how power changes those who are unprepared for the mission. In fact, Saul didn't seek it; he even hid among the baggage so that he wouldn't be the shepherd of Israel (1 Samuel 10:20-22). However, power drove him to live differently from how he had always lived, as he spent his days fighting to put an end to David, his son-in-law. That's a lot of ingratitude!

If we convince the lost to become members of the church, it will be worthless, because man is faithful until the next temptation. Now, the genuinely converted will inherit the eternal Kingdom of God and will live, while they are in the world, protected by the Lord. Don't let the enemy take over your life, because the years of effort to be saved and serve the Father will have been in vain. Why do some people give in to the devil's lies? God knows!

Only those who repent of their sins and live according to God's Word are able to maintain a good testimony, so we must trust in the Lord alone. In Saul's day, the plan of salvation was announced to the people, but not as openly as it is today. The king witnessed the divine hand helping him a lot, but then he became angry at David, the young man raised up to lead Israel - this he would do successfully. Saul envied him (Galatians 5:19-21)!

In Jonathan's conversation with his father, he seemed to recognize his mistake. So the young man called his friend and told him Saul's words. David accepted them, but as he knew the cunning king, he went to the battlefields to fight on behalf of the nation. David was prudent. This is how God expects His children to act, because the enemy will always seek to destroy them (Matthew 10:16; Ephesians 5:15,16). Believe and pray!

David's friend had a virtue to emulate: he was good; therefore, he believed that his father was also a good man, kept his word and loved him with all his heart. However, Saul didn't let his will show. Naively, Jonathan took David to the king so that his friend could hear the “truth” and the misunderstanding could be dispelled. You only get to know someone well when you've lived with them for a while, but Jonathan didn't know his father!

 Apparently, the misunderstanding was resolved, but the king continued to be angry with David. Twice he wanted to nail him to the wall (1 Samuel 18:10,11). David behaved simply, prudently. That's how we have to live in this world full of evil people, ready to do us harm. Since we are commanded by Jesus to preach the Gospel to every creature, we must never be afraid, because the Lord will keep us (Matthew 28:20).

David conducted himself wisely, showing us that this is the right way to serve God. The Lord will never let us down. From the moment we understand His will for our lives, we must believe in Him and get to work. By being wise, you will minister the saving Word to the lost. Be firm in your faith, and Jesus will use you!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares